One of the most anticipated moments at the COP here in Korea was the launch of the fourth edition of the report Global Biodiversity Outlook. The GBO is a periodic report prepared by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) that provides an updated status of biodiversity in the world and analyzes the steps being taken by the global community for the conservation of biodiversity, its sustainable use and the sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.
GBO4 has revealed what everyone has been waiting for: we need to act faster and more effectively if we are to meet our biodiversity targets by 2020. The report argues that bold and innovative action is urgently needed if governments are to meet the CBD Strategic Plan and its Aichi Targets by 2020.
Significant progress has been made in achieving some components of the Aichi Targets, but in most cases additional action is needed to keep the Strategic Plan on track. The report highlights some targets that require further attention, including: target 5, to halve the rate of loss of all natural habitats, including forests; target 8, to reduce pollution, including from excess nutrients; target 10, to reduce multiple pressures on ecosystems vulnerable to climate change and ocean acidification, such as coral reefs; target 12, to prevent the extinction of recognized threatened species and improve their conservation status; and target 15, to restore ecosystems and build resilience.
For Bráulio Dias, Executive Secretary of the CBD, efforts must be reinforced through a combination of actions that address biodiversity loss and several other environmental and social issues. “We are increasingly aware of the critical links between biodiversity and sustainable development. The measures needed to achieve the Aichi Targets also directly contribute to the objectives of greater food security, access to clean water for all and healthier populations,” said Bráulio.
Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, defended the importance of countries considering the findings of GBO4 in their planning, arguing that it is necessary to recognize that biodiversity contributes to solving the development challenges we face worldwide.
The report can be viewed in full here.
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